Spatial delineation of the depositional footprint of the Motueka River outwelling plume in Tasman Bay, New Zealand

Abstract

5 km offshore. A major storm in 2005, focused in the upper catchment, resulted in an estimated SS discharge of 161,000 tonnes into the Bay. Spatial gradients of a suite of sediment trace metal signatures, organic content and infauna community structure were used to define a river plume depositional footprint of c. 180 km2. We suggest that the boundaries of the Motueka catchment be redefined to include this area in order to facilitate engagement of marine stakeholders in management decisions that may affect coastal biological resources. © 2011 The Royal Society of New Zealand.